01/24/2025
🐾 Puppy Training Series: Introducing Your Puppy to New Textures! 🐾
One of the most exciting parts of raising a puppy is helping them explore the world around them—and that includes all the different surfaces and textures they’ll encounter! Proper exposure to various textures during their critical socialization period helps your puppy build confidence and reduces fear in new environments.
✨ Why It’s Important
Introducing puppies to new textures early helps prevent anxiety later when they encounter unfamiliar surfaces, like slippery floors, gravel, or carpet.
🦴 How to Get Started
1️⃣ Start Small: Introduce safe textures like carpet, hardwood, tile, grass, gravel, or sand in your home or yard.
2️⃣ Make It Positive: Encourage exploration by sprinkling treats or using their favorite toy to guide them onto new surfaces. Praise them when they step onto something unfamiliar!
3️⃣ Go Slow: Avoid overwhelming your puppy by introducing only one or two textures per session. Let them explore at their own pace.
4️⃣ Incorporate Movement: Practice walking on these surfaces and include stairs, ramps, or uneven terrain to build balance and coordination.
5️⃣ Keep It Fun: End each session on a positive note with a treat, belly rub, or playtime!
🐶 Pro Tip: Always stay patient and use fear-free principles. If your puppy hesitates, don’t force them—use encouragement and positive reinforcement instead.
Check out this video from on texture desensitizing puppies! Follow them for more training tips!
What’s the most unusual texture your puppy has experienced so far? Share in the comments! 👇
